Deborah M. Foster is a scholar, author, and mental health advocate with a Ph.D. in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Michigan. She has published extensively on mental health services, quality of care, and barriers to education for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Foster is also the author of What’s So Bad About Being Poor?, a memoir challenging misconceptions about poverty through her lived experiences. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, she openly discusses her journey with PTSD, bipolar disorder, and binge eating disorder to help reduce stigma.

A former professor, Foster continues to write and advocate for systemic change in social services. She lives with her family and beloved cats, dedicating her work to fostering empathy and understanding.